When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Lowe ST160 2009 and the Lowe Stinger 18 HP 2012 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe ST160 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Lowe Stinger 18 HP 2012 at 18,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe ST160 2009 tips the scales at 865 lbs — 759 lbs more than the Lowe Stinger 18 HP 2012 at 106 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Lowe Stinger 18 HP 2012 has a 65-hp advantage over the Lowe ST160 2009's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lowe Stinger 18 HP 2012 carries 19 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Lowe ST160 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.